RB Formula 1 boss Laurent Mekies has expressed confidence in Daniel Ricciardo’s ability to bounce back from a difficult period and reclaim his status as one of the top drivers in the sport. Ricciardo had established himself as a formidable competitor with successful stints at Red Bull and Renault before struggling to adapt to McLaren’s cars in 2021. Despite being outperformed by teammate Lando Norris, Ricciardo’s potential was evident in a strong showing in Mexico. Mekies believes that Ricciardo’s experience and determination will enable him to regain his previous form and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Mekies spoke highly of Ricciardo’s qualities, describing him as an invaluable asset to the team. With numerous race wins and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the car, Ricciardo’s presence motivates the team and adds hidden lap time that may not be immediately visible. Mekies emphasized the importance of Ricciardo’s speed, spirit, and contributions to car development. While acknowledging that Ricciardo had faced challenges in recent years, Mekies expressed optimism about his future trajectory and highlighted his hunger, motivation, and focus.
In addition to Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda will be partnering with him at RB. Tsunoda, who will be entering his fourth season with the team, has impressed Mekies with his consistently impressive speed and technical understanding. Mekies praised Tsunoda’s work ethic, noting his frequent visits to the factory and his strong integration with the team. The combination of Tsunoda’s natural speed and Ricciardo’s presence will create a formidable lineup that pushes each other to perform at their best.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com